A Cappella CDs on Sale

Boston-based Contemporary a cappella mixed quartet (2 men, 2 women) All About Buford came onto our radar screen only recently, when they won the Harmony Sweeps Boston Regional. The group gave an excellent performance at the Sweeps Finals, and "Supercar" is a very good CD. There's a smoky, street-savvy, manic edge to all these songs (all arrangements by the group), a lot of it coming from brilliant vocal percussionist Adeel Pandith. The first cut is an amazing hardly-recognizable cover of Jonatha Brooke's "How Deep Is Your Love," the second is a cross between Don Henley's "Nobody Else In The World But You" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious," that totally works. "My Funny Valentine" is a moody, smoky gem, Patty Larkin's "Wolf at the Door" and Norman Whitfield's "Car Wash" fit nicely into the mix. Sean Altman does a quirky little intro to Buford's strong cover of Sean's and Billy Straus' "Falling Over You." Our favorite cuts are originals by group member Taunia Soderquist, "Supercar" and "Do You Trust Me" (from the first CD), songs of the street with roots in rap. As the live intro guy says at the beginning of the CD, "this group is right in the middle of the Boston a cappella club scene, and they're wicked hot!" Recommended.

Songlist: Intro, How Deep Is Your Love?, Nobody Else in the World But You, My Funny Valentine, Supercar intro, Wolf at the Door, intro sung by Sean Altman, Fallin' Over You, Do You Trust Me?, Car Wash

The nine mixed-voice members of Avante put it right out there in the liner notes, next to the listing and credits for the 10 cuts on their new CD: "Mackie's Back is both a debut, and a tribute, to the towering vocal ensembles who have shaped who we are. From Gene Puerling, to Chanticleer, to The Manhattan Transfer, to The Swingle Singers, Avante's influences are clear." Founded in Raleigh, NC in 2010 with the objective of fusing Contemporary A Cappella with the art form of Vocal Jazz, the five men and four women singers of Avante's repertoire ranges from Contemporary Choral works to cutting edge jazz with a modern flair. Avante tours the United States, in concert, corporate venues and on college campuses, usually drawing high praise for its high standard of musicianship and unique arrangements. Two nationally regarded clinicians in the group join in the group's educational outreach, providing workshops to students of all ages. Our favorites among the 10 excellent cuts are an original, "What Kind of Band," by group member Kevin, who also arranged "Feeling Good," "Third Time Lucky," Billy Joel's "Always a Woman" and "When I Fall." Group member William arranged "When Sunny Gets Blue" and the manic jazz standard "Twisted;" we also particularly loved the Puerling-arranged "London By Night," E. Lloyd's "Cells, Planets" and Brecht and Weill's deathless, chilling ballad "Mack The Knife," to which the title lyric refers. There's a tremendous amount of vocal talent here--Avante has a confident, fresh sound, surprising arrangements and a love of creating beautiful harmonies that shows. An impressive debut album from fast-rising Avante!

Songlist: What Kind of Band, Feeling Good, When Sunny Gets Blue, Third Time Lucky, She's Always A Woman, When I Fall, Twisted, London By Night, Cells, Planets, Mack the Knife

All male, Boston-based Contemporary a cappella quintet Ball in the House used their memorable appearance at the 1998 Harmony Sweeps Finals as a springboard to an amazing career of dynamic live shows (over 250 live performances a year) and excellent recordings ("One Night Only" will be their fifth hot-selling album in the Singers.com catalog). BITH's sound features solid, driving beatbox, hot arrangements, and sweet leads & harmonies. 18 covers, some of our favorites are a rap-flavored take on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," CSN&Y's "Love the One You're With," the Disco hits "Ladies Night" and "Oh What A Night;" the mainstream radio hits "Nothin' On You" and "Just the Way You Are;" the Motown standards "Ain't No Sunshine," and "That's the Way I Like It," the live cut "Waiting," Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" and "I Want You Back;" and the Seals & Crofts' 70s anthem "Summer Breeze." It warms our hearts to watch a top-drawer group from the Sweeps Finals grow into one of the top a cappella touring groups performing today. "One Night Only" is a party in a CD sleeve and we're invited!

Songlist: I Don't Wanna Be, Superstition, Love The One You're With, Ladies Night, Think About It, Nothin' On You, Waiting, Beat Box Solo, Just The Way You Are, Let You Lead, Ain't No Sunshine, That's The Way (I Like It), Oh What A Night, I Want You Back, Billie Jean, Summer Breeze, Set The Mood, Falling Slowly, Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Their second Christmas CD featuring classics, forgotten carols, and some of their favorite soulful holiday tunes. Get down and get in the holiday spirit like you never have with this must have for the season!new sale

Songlist: This Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, I'll Be Home For Christmas, O Holy Night, The Christmas Song, Balulalow, O Come All Ye Faithful, Happy Holidays To You

Originally hailing from Fargo, ND, The Emmy-winning Blenders now call Minneapolis, MN their home, and this talented, pioneering all male a cappella quartet has been very busy since we first discovered them in 1992 with the first of their now 13 recordings, "Totally Whipped," "From the Mouth" (1994), and "The Blenders" (1995). Then came their instant Best Seller Christmas collection, "Nog," which filled the stockings of all our friends and family with creamy-smooth harmonies. 2002's "When It Snows" was supported by an enormously successful holiday tour and made the Billboard charts, and "The Blenders Holiday Best," (2004) and "Most Wonderful Time" (2005), live DVD "Christmas with the Blenders" (2007) and 2 CD set "The Blenders: Christmas Collection" (2007) helped make the Blenders' name synonymous with Christmas! "Christmas Light" has 11 songs, mostly accompanied. Our favorites are of course the cuts with little or no accompaniment, the fun, rhythmic "Sleigh Ride," richly harmonic "Some Children See Him," and bright, joyous "What Child is This." Among the accompanied tunes, the original "Where Are You Christmas," "Last Christmas," "Amen," "This Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy to the World" and bonus track "America" are standouts. But the highlight of all the Blenders recordings are the heavenly harmonies and great leads of these four talented men, often called "one of America's best-kept vocal secrets," who have been touring and delighting live audiences for decades with their signature sound.

Songlist: This Christmas, Last Christmas, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Where Are You Christmas, Amen!, Children Go Where I Send Thee , Sleigh Ride, What Child Is This?, Some Children See Him, Joy to the World, America (bonus track)

All male a cappella octet Brass Farthing, "a group of stalwart lads brought together to sing songs, raise good cheer, and otherwise make merry in the company of friends both old and new." We had the good fortune to catch the live show of these 8 authentically costumed and propped male vocalists at the 2011 Bay Area Harmony Sweeps Regionals in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, where they easily won Audience Favorite and First Place, and have to say that these guys are amazing! Rory, Daniel, Chris, George (Director), Mark (Assistant Director) Jim, Tazz and Ben have found wonderful, hilarious, traditional English drinking songs like "Itches in Me Britches," "Bass Ale," "Dido Bendigo," "General Taylor," "The Crayfish," "Barbed Wire," the nearly bawdy, very funny "Brasso," "Gamble Gold and Robin Hood" and "Charlie Mopps." They've also unearthed such gems as Fred W. Leigh's (1911) "Mary Anne, She's After Me," C. Frank Horn's "Mrs. Fogarty's Christmas Cake," Paddy Ryan's (1938) "The Man That Waters the Worker's Beer" and Peter Bellamy's "Oak, Ash and Thorn," with lyrics by Rudyard Kipling. The boys have written a couple of their own: Daniel's "The Rope" and Rory's "I Love You More than Beer."

Breath of Soul, David, Jesse, Tony and Jake, is an all-male a cappella contemporary quartet who bill themselves as "Nashville's Premier Vocal Band." "4 the record" is their 3rd album, following 2009's "Blue Christmas" and 2010's "Breath of Soul," to which we gave rave reviews on the Primarily A Cappella website, commenting, "to be this good early in their careers promises great things for BOS." "4" is the poised, finely-crafted album of a mature group who have paid their dues and are ready to join a handful of cappella's elite groups. Some of our favorites among the 10 cuts are beautifully arranged covers of Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks," Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance," a fine pair of originals by tenor & vocal percussionist Jake, "Bee" and "Give Yourself;" The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun," excellent takes on a pair by Cory Hosler, "Fix You, Fix Me" and "My Last Season;" an impressive, sweetly-segueing medley of "Michael Jackson vs. Queen," Adele's "Rollin' in the Deep," and a soulful, harmonic take on Jason Mraz's romantic anthem "I Won't Give Up." Don't miss this one--Breath of Soul is smokin' hot and "4" took our breath away!

David, Jesse, Tony and Jake of "Nashville's Premier Vocal Band" Breath of Soul bring us their impressive, soulful, self-titled debut CD, recorded in 2010. Singing together for just a few years, these four friends have the talent, poise, harmonies, leads and arrangements of a group with years more experience. All 13 songs were arranged by BOS baritone Jesse Upah, who wrote the short, sweet "It's Just An Intro," "Breath of Soul" and "To Be Continued" mixes a lot of fresh sounds like the faux kazoo on Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together" and the fiery, powerful vocal percussion on "Lost!," the digital wah-wah effects and rap talk on "Breath of Soul," gentle finger-snapping on the gentle "Nora," chirpy Doo-Woppy notes on R. Spektor's "On The Radio," butter-creamy harmonies on "The Doxology," deep-bass percussion on the inspirational "Freedom Song," crazed popcorn and funhouse rhythms on Neal Diamond's "Headed for the Future," Stephen Foster's still-relevant "Hard Times," S. Chapman's driving "Lord of the Dance," and a sweet, creepy take on Stevie Wonder's hit "Superstition." Every cut here is a finely crafted winner, as BOS shows off its impressive collection of non-instrumental sounds, yummy leads and harmonies. To be this good this early in their careers promises great things for Breath of Soul!

Songlist: It's Just An Intro, Lost!, Breath of Soul, Nora, Come Together, On The Radio, The Doxology, Freedom Song, Headed For The Furure, Hard Times, Lord of the Dance, Superstition, The Be Continued

5911c | 1 CD | $4.95 | A Cappella

Clockwork : Tesseract

Bay Area favorite, 4-man, 1-woman vocal jazz group Clockwork surprised a strong field with a win in the 2004 Bay Area Regional, then went on to place 2nd in the National Finals, making many friends and new fans along the way. "Teseract" is Clockwork's debut CD (on PAC Records), produced by The Bobs' Richard Bob Greene. There are 11 songs, all with cutting-edge arrangements, particularly by group member Stephen Saxon (also including Greene and group members Angie Doctor and Jim Hale). Herbie Hancock's sassy "And (So) What If I Don't," (There's some nice alto sax on this one, otherwise "Teseract" is all a cappella), a cool, jazzy "My Baby Just Cares For Me," Lennon/McCartney's classic "Blackbird" (with actual Red-winged Blackbird sounds), and a rainy-day bluesy "DC Farewell." "Donna Lee" segues perfectly from the laid-back "Back Home Indiana" to Charley Parker's scattish, driving jazz standard, Radiohead's "Creep" runs the gamut from quiet to crazed, and jazz standard "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" features a bright, upbeat lead by Doctor. Clockwork nails John Coltrane's frantic, driving "Moment's Notice," slowing down with perfect control for Richard Rogers' moody "Little Girl Blue," and then taking off on some very nice vocal riffs on "Variation #1 on (J. Williams') 'Nightwatch" and finishing up with the con man's anthem, a bluesy, appropriately smarmy original by Jim Hale, "Big Cash Deal." We loved Clockwork live, and "Teseract" is poised, confident proof of their readiness to join a cappella's vocal jazz elite!

Cabaret Quartet was born when Pam, Holly and Donna performed together as part of two special public relations tours to China in 2002 and 2003. Returning home, they contacted Patty, a world-renowned Sweet Adelines tenor, and Cabaret was born. Recently the group placed 8th at the 2007 Internationals in Calgary. "Happy Hour" is a strong collection of mostly romance-related tunes like "Cornet Man," "Don't Take Your Love From Me," "Mr. Hooper's Fin-It-In-A-Minute Book," "The Man That Got Away," "Meet Me Where They Play the Blues," "You Turned the Tables on Me," "Young and Foolish," "As Long As You're Not In Love With Anyone Else/Undecided" and "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens." With their beautiful, spirited harmonies and lyrics that can as easily lift up your heart or break it, Cabaret has broken into the top ten in the Sweet Adelines world, so we raise our glasses to these rising stars!

Songlist: Intro, Cornet Man, Don't Take Your Love From Me, Mr. Hopper's Find-It-In-A-Minute Book, I'll Always Be In Love With You, Some Lucky Day, The Man That Got Away, Meet Me Where They Play The Blues, Sophisticated Lady, You Turned The Tables On Me, Young and Foolish, As Long As You're Not In Love With Anyone Else/ Undecided, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens

5837c | 1 CD | $4.95 | A Cappella

Coats : The Boys Are Back

One of the Pacific Northwest's best vocal harmony quartet, in our opinion, 1994 Harmony Sweeps winners The Coats are back with their eighth CD, an energetic, powerful collection of original materials and freshly-arranged covers. Doug Wisness, baritone, Jamie Dieveney, tenor II, Kerry Dahlen, bass and Keith Anderson, tenor I, start us off with the title tune, a driving, deep-bassed rhythmic toe-tapper. Then come a couple of originals by Dieveney, Dahlen and producer Bill Gibson, "She's Got That Thing" and "Walk Away." Other originals by them, "Let's Be Crazy," "Running After Time," "Slow Ride" and "Together Through It All" are interspersed with marvelous covers of Michael Jackson's "Shake Your Body," John Fogerty's "Down On The Corner," and the classic tunes "She Blinded Me With Science," "Stand By Me" and "Sunglasses At Night." Besides being well-chosen and beautifully arranged (by Dieveney and Gibson), and absolutely nailed by the group, these covers show that the Coats' vocal pyrotechnics are right up there with such performers as Michael Jackson when he recorded "Thriller." This is one of the strongest contemporary CDs of the year. The Coats should be stars, they know it, their fans know it, and hopefully "The Boys" will let a whole lot more people know it!

Songlist: The Boys Are Back, She's Got That Thing, Walk Away, Shake Your Body, Let's Be Crazy, She Blinded Me With Science, Running After Time, Down on the Corner, Stand By Me, Sunglasses At Night, Slow Ride, Together Through It All

2465c | 1 CD | $3.95 | A Cappella

Coats Singers : Our Father's Dream

The Coats Singers originated in San Francisco, CA, in the backyard of their parents' (Curtis and Gradie Coats Sr.) home. They raised a Christian family of 17 children, all of whom have beautiful, refined voices. The group now consists of 3 generations of the Coats family, who spread the gospel through a cappella music. 9 traditional spirituals: "When Jesus Comes," "Home of the Soul," "That Rock Still Stands," "Oh Mary Don't You Weep," "Jesus Is A Balm," "Lonesome Valley," "On The Wings of A Dove," "Where Could I Go" and "Acappella." This deeply spiritual family sings together with soul and a joyful spirit!

Songlist: When Jesus Comes, Home of the Soul, That Rock Still Stands, Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Jesus Is A Balm, Lonesome Valley, On the Wings of a Dove, Where Could I Go, A cappella

2807c | 1 CD | $1.95 | A Cappella

Coco's Lunch : Invisible Rhythm

Invisible Rhythm received an ARIA award nomination for best contemporary album. This highly successful recording by Coco's Lunch was a finalist in the Australian World Music Awards and was featured as World Music CD of the Week in the Sydney Morning Herald. Featuring the brilliant harmonies with sophisticated rhythms of these five skilled musicians and composers, Invisible Rhythm transcends cultural borders. Their songs are in variety of musical styles with lyrics that are earthy and spiritual. Although many of the songs were written be one person, it is obvious that the final product is the result of the closeness and compatibility of the group. Try the soulful "Seven Sisters" or the improvised "Goodnight."

Dick Van Dyke, who all of us loved in "The Dick Van Dyke Show," Disney's "Mary Poppins" "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and many others, ordered some a cappella CDs from us awhile back and we mentioned the fact on the acappellanews.com news blog. Mike Mendyke, formerly of Five O'Clock Shadow, read this and soon thereafter happened to run into Dick in a Starbucks. One thing lead to another and soon they formed a quartet that would sing on the set of "Diagnosis: Murder". We love stories like this, and Dick Van Dyke looks and sounds great on these 14 cuts! "Put On A Happy Face" from Bye Bye Birdie, Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Baby of Mine" from Dumbo, "High Hopes," "Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book, "Pick Yourself Up," "A Lover's Wuestion," "It's Not Easy Green," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive," and the heartwarming "Theme from Dick Van Dyke Show," with unpublished lyrics attributed to Morey Amsterdam. Two bonus cuts are Dick reciting "A Visit from St. Nicolas" (Twas the Night Before Christmas) and "Old Fashioned Christmas" a nice original by Bryan and Michael. Dick Van Dyke is as funny, personable and entertaining as ever, and Eric, Michael and Bryan, the Vantastix, provide great backup vocals, solos, harmonies and stellar arrangements for all the songs. "Put on a Happy Face," obviously a labor of love for Van Dyke, did exactly that for us, and we're sure this gem will be loved by children and fans of all ages!

Songlist: Put On A Happy Face, You've Got A Friend In Me, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Baby Of Mine, High Hopes, The Bare Necessities, Pick Yourself Up, A Lover's Question , It's Not Easy Being Green, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious , Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, Theme From DickVan Dyke Show, A Visit From St. Nicholas (Twas The Night Before Christmas), Old Fashioned Christmas

For Phillip, Ryan, Tim and Joey, sweet-singing members of Deer Lodge, TN's Emmanuel Quartet, their ministry is simple-its all right there in 1 Chronicles: "Sing to the Lord, aall the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." The 11-title songlist on "Feeling Good" speaks (or in fact sings) for itself: "Children's Medley, "Mighty is the Word," "If We Miss Heaven," "What More Could He Do?," "Give In To the Lord," "The Ballad of Elisha's Bones," "My Savior First of All," "Peaceful Side of Jordan," "A New Day," "We Shall Wear A Crown" and "Twenty Three." Ryan's rich deep bass, Tim's solid baritone, Phillip's fine tenor and Joey's soaring leads make each of these songs a joyous, inspirational winner. Don't miss "Feeling Good!"

Songlist: Children's Medley, Mighty is the Word, If We Miss Heaven, What More Could He Do?, Give In To The Lord, The Ballad of Elisha's Bones, My Savior First Of All, Peaceful Side of Jordan, A New Day, We Shall Wear a Crown, Twenty-Three

Here's a group that shows that the uniquely American style of doo wop can be sung from over the border as this Canadian group's latest Christmas CD is a gem. More like doo-wop tinged there is both great singing (what a bass!) and arrangements that are a standout from the usual Christmas fair. It has been quite awhile since their previous release and time has seasoned them well as they have been performing steadily for years. There is the occasional very light accompaniment but vocals are very much front and center on this holiday treat.

Seven member, all male classic a cappella rockers The Exboyfriends were the classic "small NYC clubs to Sweepstakes" story, starting out in the former in 1993 and working their way up to the latter, winning Audience Favorite at the 2000 Harmony Sweeps National Finals in San Rafael, CA. Along their journey they appeared on VH1, Nickelodeon, NBC's Today show, the Howard Stern Show and many others. They also opened for groups like the Marshall Tucker Band and the Edgar Winter Group. "A Cappella's Dead," their 1999 debut CD, won rave reviews from us and was called the "classic rock album a cappella has been waiting for" by RARB. Their follow up "Karaoke Bar Brawl" won even more praise, being nominated for two CARA awards, and was one of RARB's "Picks of 2003" for album of the year. At the time of their "farewell" 2008 show, "Happy Ending" lay unfinished in digital purgatory, but after a long break from performing and recording the 7 guys got together to finish the album with producer Ed Chung, and staged a reunion concert in their hometown in May of 2013. After all that background, we'll be brief: we loved the ExBs at the 2000 Finals, and "Happy Ending" is a beautiful, powerful a cappella cover album of 10 songs, one of the best we've heard this year! Beside the hauntingly surreal Pink Floyd anthem "In The Flesh," some of our favorites are The Eagles' "Hotel California," which segues into a manic salsa-flavored party with body percussion and faux trumpets; U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and B. Brown's "Teenage Dirtbag," which necessitated a Parental Advisory on the album cover ("We Curse A Lot"). J. Walsh's classic "Life's Been Good" and M. Jones' "Feels Like the First Time" are stone winners, as is D. Roeser's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and the top-40 hits "Dirty Work" and "Hunger Strike." It's been a long wait to hear more sweetly arranged, top-tier a cappella from the Exboyfriends, but after listening to "Happy Endings" we, and a lot of their fans, are wishing they had never left!

Songlist: In The Flesh, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Dirty Work, (Don't Fear) The Reaper, In The End, Feels Like The First Time, Hunger Strike, Hotel California, Teenage Dirtbag, Life's Been Good

The North Carolina-based a cappella quartet Fleur-de-Lisa, Sarah, Deborah, Andie and Sylvie, has been writing music based on poetry and poetic themes since 2008. The 20 ethereal songs in this collection, all written by Sarah Shunk and Sylvia Freeman, represent one complete life cycle, from its spring-like beginnings of the first flowers and budding romance all the way through to the winter of life. In the Spring/Summer group are "Crocuses," "Fireflies," "Me and Frog," "White Feather" and "Old Pond;" in Relationship Songs are "Slowly," "She Reads Her Letter," "Early Spring," "A Thousand Half Loves," "Wild Rose," "Unworn Necklace," "Wild Lupine," "Rainy Season," "Slicing" and "Sound of the Name;" and in Autumn/Winter are "Dog's Day Off," "One Leaf," "One Moon," "Rumors" and "Time to Go." These are sometimes playful, sometimes poignant vocal poems that touch and move us, leaving us always wanting to hear more. Just beautiful!

Formed over 30 years ago and one of the very early contemporary a cappella The Flying Pickets are still going strong today and continue to tour extensively across Europe. The group members have changed over the years but the level of excellence has stayed consistent and it easy to tell listening to this fine recording why they have remained popular for all these years. Each one of these Christmas tunes is creatively arranged along with the strong voices makes for a delightful holiday treat. This recording deserves to be in your collection.

Songlist: 2000 Miles, Ding Ding Merrily On High, Shine, Little Drummer Boy, I Believe In Father Christmas, Christmas Present, Very Good King, In The Bleak Mid Winter, Christmas Lullaby, Alleujah, Silent Night, Frosty The Snowman, Only You (And You Alone)

2683c | 1 CD | $6.95

Hyannis Sound : Annual Bootleg Vol 1

"Annual Bootleg Volume 1" is of course a live CD in a simple cardboard sleeve that has a songlist printed on it and very little else. It assumes we know that THS is a Cape Cod-based a cappella vocal group of between 10 and 14 young men, and luckily, we do. 16 songs, some favorites are the Beatles' "Drive My Car, "Bring It To Me," "Remedy," "Just My Imagination," "Signed Sealed Delivered," Huey Lewis & the News' "If This Is It," Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," "Love Train" and closing with their trademark "Irish Parting Blessing." Recorded at First Baptist Church, Hyannis in August of 2003 before an enthusiastic audience. Good stuff!

Manhattan Transfer meets the Sons Of The Pioneers!! The incomparable Morgan Ames had produced, arranged and recorded the selections which she describes as "a group of a cappella cowboy and mountain songs based on pure historical American, plus a few strays, filtered through my jazz-based sense of harmony and four city singers." She goes on to add... "I grew up looking for home on the range, pretending to be Annie Oakley on rented horses at the Burbank Stables. But singing this music, our shared American heritage, was a gift and that's how we offer it to you." Now, all isn't just tradition as occasionally a new lyic or two is added, but the singers Shelby Flint, Morgan, Melissa Mackay and Michael Mishaw manage to maintain a sensibility of tradition while creating an entirely new feel, exactly as Morgan describes in her quoted comments above. Real traditional tunes such as "Home on the Range," "Old Diamond Joe," (a multi-track overdubbed recording sung entirely by Michael) and "Old Chisholm Trail" are mixed in with a leavening of newer tunes such as "Witchi Tai To," "My Real Home," and "Springtime in the Rockies." The only difficulty we face in reviewing a recording of this calibre is expressing our enthusiasm without going overboard!

Songlist: Old Chisholm Trail, Witch Tai To, Goodbye Old Paint, The Cuckoo, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, My Real Home, Old Diamond Joe, Where Am I Going, Home On The Range, There's A Star On The Horizon, Springtime In The Rockies, Unused To Lovers, Cielito Lindo, The Water Is Wide/Oh Winding River, I Wonder As I Wander

The core blend of three soulful women (Gwen, Linda and Renee) of the soulful Bay Area a cappella ensemble The Irrationals has been singing together for over 15 years. This funky, diverse group has an eclectic, African American-based repertoire that explores life, love and politics. There are 11 songs here, which feature soaring leads, strong vocal percussion and background vocals. Favorites are "Train in Vain," the title tune, "Something to Talk About," the powerful stream-of-consciousness two originals by Susan Anders, "Living on the Edge" and "Trouble Now," the stark "Everything and Nothing," the bluesy "Microwave Life," the jazzy "Mighty Long Way" and the poignant "Love Me Still." This is surprising, entertaining, thought-provoking stuff from The Irrationals!

Legendary, Grammy-winning arranger/conductor Johnny Mann and his prolific Singers apply their bright, smooth, spirited Sixties sound to this excellent Christmas collection. Traditional carols like "As Lately We Watched," "Lo How a Rose," "Deck the Halls," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Christmas Tree," "The First Noel," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" of course are here, wonderful and sincere; but we especially liked lesser known tunes like "Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In," "Sleep, Sleep Jesus, Sleep" and the lovely "Susan Belle." The kind of Christmas album they just don't make any more, and the kind that will be enjoyed again, year after year! Some light accompaniment, but mostly a cappella.

Songlist: Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In, Sleep, Sweet Jesus, Sleep, As Lately Watched, Susan Belle, Lo How A Rose, Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Go Tell It On A Mountain, O Christmas Tree, The First Noel, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Talented, highly-respected music industry educators and arrangers Kirby Shaw, Randy Crenshaw, Kirk Marcy and Vijay Singh were asked by a dear friend, the minister of music at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem, OR, if Just 4 Kicks would perform at an upcoming concert and service at St. Paul's. His parameters were simple: "It needs to be all sacred music, but it needs to be Just 4 Kicks!" The group decided to accept the opportunity as a chance for rejuvenation that it needed, and immediately the creative juices started flowing within the quartet. The event was a huge success, and soon the group found itself in the studio, recording a fresh new book of tunes. We can see from the song list, there's a lot of diversity in these 11 tunes, from the jazzy "Sermonette," scattish "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and "Come Sunday," to a Reggae-flavored, manic "Jesus Loves Me;" to a couple of Bob Dylan tunes, the bluesy "Gotta Serve Somebody" and the Reggae-arranged "Man Gave Names To All The Animals," there's lots of fun stuff here. Other favorites are a hip, finger-popping "Daniel in the Lion's Den," bluenote "A Child is Born," a foot-tapping Bluegrass take on "Walk On" and a hauntingly harmonic "A Quiet Place." We've always loved Just 4 Kicks, and we love this album-it's a great new direction for these talented men, and we look forward to hearing more inspirational, upbeat material like "Joyful Noise" from them!

The four players in Just 4 Kicks are only four of the most respected (and frequently employed) arrangers and educators in the music industry. Their talent is only surpassed by their prodigious accomplishments, the results of which are ours to appreciate. Obviously influenced by the brilliant vocal jazz groups of the '50's and '60's, most notably the Four Freshmen and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, "All In Good Time" is adventurous and exuberant. Billy Strayhorn's comically ironic "Everything But You" is one of the great swing tunes in the lexicon, and Just 4 Kicks stands in for an entire jazz combo, tossing off brass solos and a drum breakdown. The arrangement of "Alice In Wonderland" frequently voices the harmony, including the enticing ninth chords, by implying the root, rather than stating it overtly. "I'm Walkin'," popularized by "Fats" Domino and arranged here by Kirby Shaw, retains the boogie-woogie party mood of the original and kicks it up a notch - now that's impressive. Many of the songs feature furious scatting, all done live. Don Shelton of the Hi-Lo's guests on "Green Dolphin Street," and the Bobs' Joe Finetti stops by to supply vocal percussion on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition."

Songlist: I'm Walkin', Everything But You, Alice In Wonderland, Black Orpheus, On Green Dolphin Street, Her Bright Smile, Poppity-Pop, All Blues, Superstition, Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye, Blizzard Of Lies, Take the 'A' Train, A Quiet Place

6255c | 1 CD | $3.95 | A Cappella

Konevets Quartet : Russian Folk Songs

Music Conservatoire in July 1992. The Quartet takes its name from the Konevets Island and Monastery, some 160 kilometers northeast of St. Petersburg, on Lake Ladoga. It was there, over 600 years ago, that St. Arseny Konevsky founded a cloister in the honour of the birth of Mary, Mother of God. The repertoire on this, their sixth recording is comprised of Russian folk songs based on ballads, dances and regimental songs and marches of the Tsarist armies, and from the old military academies, forbidden during Communist times. If you have ever been moved by the glorious, robust singing of the Russian peoples, this is a chance to experience the same music polished to perfection by a concert trained quartet. Wonderful!

Harmony is a universal urge, and when it accompanies a love theme, it's the pinnacle of music-making. The Laurels first sought that peak in 1959, harmonizing at sock hops and at the studio. Forty years later, original member Dick Muse and four others took their places around the mike to record 16 classic and "should-have-been-classic" doo-wop tunes. "Please Mr. Sun," "Ball & Chain," "Everyone's Laughing," the top-40 hit "Barefootin'," "Willette," "Cold Feet," "For Your Love," "Something's Got A Hold On Me," "Lundy Dundy," "Time Can Make You Change" and "Sweet Was The Wine" and others. All a cappella except for the final cut, "Rhythm." These are authentic, gravelly-bass, soaring tenor, sweet harmony doo-wop, the kind we love to hear. "Keeping" is a keeper!

Lubbock, TX-based Contemporary Christian a cappella quintet Legacy is Marty, Clint, Jake, Michael and Josh, and "Reliant" is their third album, following "Legacy" and Christmas collection "The Gift," both best sellers in the Singers.com catalog. First singing together in college in Lubbock in 2002 and touring together in the summer of 2003, the group went their separate ways; but some "amazing" happenings brought them back together in Lubbock in 2006 to continue their musical ministry. Compared to groups like Take 6 and Rockapella, Legacy has become known for their rich harmonies, strong leads, arrangements and vocal percussion. There are 10 songs here, all of which we're hearing for the first time, including a very nice original, written by group member Jake Lieman. Favorites are MercyMe's "God With Us," Brandan Heath & Jason Ingram's powerful "Give Me Your Eyes," Mark Hall's lovely "Slow Fade" and poignant "Does Anybody Hear Her," Mike Donahee, Phillip Larue & Jason Ingram's inspirational "By Your Side," Tiffany Arbuckle-Lee, Shaun Shankel & Tyler Hayes' "Safe," Steve Fee's "Glorious One," Ed Cash, Michael Neagle & Trent Monk's joyous "Dancing With the Angels" and Charlie Peacock's upbeat "In the Light." Wait, that's all of them, and we're not surprised-every cut in this collection is a beautiful, thought-provoking winner. These wonderful albums from Legacy don't come along very often, so treat yourself to "Reliant" now, and enjoy!

First formed in 1979, Libana, focuses on researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, particularly music written for, by and about women. "Turning" is the group's 7th excellent album, some of the 17 songs accompanied by its members playing their own instruments, including clarinet, djembe, djun djun, bells, frame drum, kalimba, shekere, soprano recorder, accordion, hammered dulcimer, ipu, piano and agogo bell. Some of our favorites are the a cappella tunes "I Arise Facing East" by Deborah Lanstaff, the Japanese Folk tune "Hotaru Koi," "Con el Viento," a lovely round from Renaissance Spain, the powerful Bulgarian Folk tune "Planino Peren," Linda Hischhorn's soaring "Sin Shalom" and Melchior Franck's 16th Century round "Da Pacem." We also particularly loved the percussion-accompanied South African tune "Babe Thandaza/Sin Djen," the live Hawai'ian song "E Pele E Pele/E Pele I Hawai'i" and the greeting and blessing for peace, "Salaam Aleikhum." Libana's music is always a treat to us, authentic and new to our ears; and performed beautifully with reverence and spirit!

The Seattle quintet m-pact is just one of the best - and hippest - contemporary groups on the scene today. With unerring musical discernment, they drafted some of the most savvy arrangers to collaborate with them on "A Carol Commission": Randy Crenshaw, Michelle Weir, Yumiko Matsuoka-Young, Morgan Ames, Cedric Dent (of Take 6) et cetera. This marriage of technique and talent has propagated a fusion sound: the harmonic nucleus of jazz, but with so much more. Of the six tracks available for preview at presstime, the standouts are the "Little Drummer Boy," arranged by m-pact's own Matthew Selby; marked with vocal percussion, it has a retro seventies funk feel, a feel associated with the seventh and major/minor third of the blues pentatonic scale, which can be readily heard in the Motown-influenced bass line. "Caroling, Caroling," arranged by Randy Crenshaw, toys with meter amongst the parts, moving in and out of straight time and varying the rhythmic accents in unexpected places, like the handclap on the four, not the one of the beat. "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" is incredible: a hip-hop jazz interpretation of this classical standard. "A Carol Commission" is an audacious project of most challenging musical caliber!

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, Christmas Time Is Here, Little Drummer Boy, Jingle Bells, Snowfall, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Do You Hear What I Hear?, De King Is Born Today, As December Fades Away, Away In A Manger

"The World's best beatboxing and singing group" is a very bold statement, and it's right there on The Magnets' website! Sure, the UK's Nic, Steve, Michael, James, Fraser and rock-solid percussionist Andy "Ice Man" Frost won the 2001 CARA for Best Pop/Rock Original Song, "All the Wrong Reasons" from their excellent debut CD "Giving It All That." And sure, their tours of Austria, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Hungary, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK were a huge success, and they received reviews like "A cappella singing straight from the Gods"-Edinburgh Evening News, "Talent in abundance and a highly original, note-perfect act"-Metro, and "Glorious a cappella - these are top-class professional vocalists"-Die Welt. And on "Gobsmacked" (also the name of their current 26-song live show), the guys give 11 iconic songs an all-vocal reinvention, including Blondie's "Call Me," a sultry version of "Poker Face" by Lady GaGa, a stunning Bossa Nova remake of Bon Jovi's "Living On a Prayer," a funky celebration of the Scissor Sisters' "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," a breezy, pop hit on David Bowie's "Let's Dance"-in fact, this is one of the best albums we've heard in a long time! Check it out, great leads, creative, surprising arrangements, flawless vocal percussion, stellar backup harmonies, big Fun-The Magnets are the real deal!

Formed five years ago in Kiev, the six men who make up the Ukrainian group Man Sound have recorded three compact discs and toured extensively in Europe. In their early years, the group gave dozens of gospel concerts in six western U.S. states. Most recently they were invited to the U of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival by Hampton himself. The group's repertoire includes famous jazz compositions and Ukraine folk songs as well as traditional and modern gospel music. "Slavic Roots" are Ukrainian folk songs, all a cappella except for some light guitar on "Under the Cloud." Included are two medleys, "Triptych" and "Diptych," "Polechko-Pole," "Under the Cloud," "Hey, Let's Hoot," "There You, Wide Steppe" and "White Swallow." The group's powerful, fine-tuned ensemble sound derives from their individual talents as soloists. Adding scat jazz riffs to a "Volga Boatmen" base is the kind of fresh vocal surprise Man Sound is becoming well known for. Excellent and recommended!

Since their formation in 2001, combining 3 gold medal-winning veterans, Paul, Dale and Mark, with newcomer bass Brian O'Dell, MatriX began their steady climb up the elite Barbershop Quartet ladder with a 19th place finish at the 2002 convention. 2003 saw the group add another newcomer, lead Jeff Wallace, who led MatriX to a 12th place finish at the Montreal convention, and in the 2006 Indianapolis competition broke into the top 10, placing 9th. Their new self-titled release really shows off the talents of this fast-rising group. 12 songs, beginning with the powerful "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die," "Look Me Up When You're in Dixie," the heart-tugging standards "Georgia On My Mind," "If You Had All The World And Its Gold," "Distant Melody," and Billy Joel's wonderful "Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)." Paul Simon's "59th St. Bridge song (Feelin' Groovy)" has a carefree arrangement, there's a strong live cut from Montreal in 2003, "Black Eyed Susan Brown," the poignant "Garden in the Rain" (which segues into "Over the Rainbow") and the final tune, "Some Lucky Day," are all winners. Great arrangements, ringing harmonies and sheer love of singing add up to a great collection of barbershop and pop from fast-rising MatriX!

Songlist: I'm Gonna Live Till I Die, The Song Is You, Look Me Up When You're In Dixie, Georgia On My Mind, Black Eyed Susan Brown (Live), If You Had All The World And It's Gold, Feelin' Groovy (The 59th Street Bridge Song), Distant Melody, You Took Advantage Of Me, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), A Garden In The Rain, Some Lucky Day

5713c | 1 CD | $4.95 | A Cappella

Memory Lane : Acappella Ave

Though we have scant information on this sextet, save that they come from Pennsylvania, we can say that their sound was obviously inspired by the great doo-wop groups like the Spaniels and Moonglows. This is a 1999 release, but, as their name implies, the singers of Memory Lane aren't about today. Their arrangements really capture the flavor of the genuine article, the performances have punch and authority, and the blend is earthy, thick and resonant. Favorite cuts include 'California Dreamin',' 'Mio Amore' and 'I Like It Like That.'

We will freely admit to loving LA's four Echoes, "Brothers in Harmony" Charlie, Harvey, John and Jon at first listen, almost 20 years ago. Many audience-pleasing live performances and three great CDs haven't changed our feelings as we joyously tear the annoying plastic wrap off "Cool" and treat our boombox to the Echoes' 4th collection of 15 Doo-Wop winners. Some of our favorites include an exquisitely meandering "I Only Have Eyes for You," a complex, soaring arrangement of Brian Wilson's "Good Vibrations" (that few groups would even attempt, much less nail), a rock-solid, soulful "Lean On Me," a silly, tough-talking "Daddy Cool," a richly harmonic cover of Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," a powerful "Duke of Earl," a luscious "In The Still of the Night," an incongruous but marvelous "White Christmas," and the final tune, a foot-stomping "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." The Echoes have the tight arrangements, perfect pitch, soaring leads, deep basslines and love of singing that make "Cool" one of the best Doo Wop recordings of the year!

Songlist: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, I Only Have Eyes For You, Return To Sender, Good Vibrations, Lean On Me, Daddy Cool, Wonderful Tonight, With This Ring, Duke of Earl, Whispering Bells, In The Still Of The Night, Chapel of Love, Up On The Roof, White Christmas, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye

Moira, Jessica B., Jessica C. and Christine pulled off their unexpected win at the 2007 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael by digging into old Americana and Eastern European roots. The live, eight-song EP "circle square diamond and flag" includes some songs from that magic night, "Carolina Pines," and "Bring Me Little Water, Silvie." The remaining songs are all "Shape Note" hymns, which flourished in late 18th century-early 19th century New England, where hymn books would fill with these uniquely modal, contrapuntal songs. "Garden Hymn" is a traditional Shape Note song, as are "Parting Friends" and "Wondrous Love." "Return My Soul," written and composed by Moira, the traditional Appalachian song "The Cuckoo" and Wm. Billings' "Africa" round out the songlist. A beautiful, touching collection from Moira and VOCO!

Beyond" is No Limits' second wonderful CD, released two years after their excellent debut album "Dare to Dream." Now a mixed sextet, these beautiful young singers have the joy, the spirit, the love and the talent to make "Beyond" a very special Contemporary Christian CD. Once again led by composer/arranger and group member Kgomotso Moshugi, whose originals ("Perfect Redeemer," "Ngoba Wena umuhle" (Because You Are Beautiful), "We Believe," "O mpone ke le hole" (I was far and you saw me) and "Seeing Jesus") are only matched by songs he arranges, like "Eya tsholoha" (It's running over) and "Jesus is a Rock." There is some light accompaniment, but this is unimportant-we loved "Dare to Dream," and "Beyond Measure" is even better. Moshugi's poised, powerful words and music are the perfect complement to these spirited, joyful voices. Two stone winners in a row from No Limits!

No Limits is a South African Contemporary Christian mixed septet, who bring us 16 mostly original songs on "Dare to Dream," their debut release from 2004. Most of the songs are written and/or arranged by group member Kgomotso Moshugi. Some songs are accompanied, but all have the fresh, rhythmic, harmonic sound we love from groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Moshugi originals like "Working in the Fields," "In My Dreams," "Shed Your Light," the anthem against AIDS, "Long as We Stand Together," "Nako e sile," "Sing Unto the Lord," "Sheba o bone," "Akekh' ofana nawe" and "The Lord my Provider" are very fine. Also favorites are Moshugi-arranged traditionals like "Mhlobo wami" "Puleng" and "In A Little While." We love the joyous sound of this album, the pure celebration of it, the strong, confident leads and supporting harmonies. We'd love to tell you more about the group, but going to their website address strangely takes us to "No Limits Sports Supplements" from Pretoria. No matter--"Dare to Dream" is fresh, juicy, original Contemporary Christian stuff, and we bet you'll love it!

After fifteen years with Scotti Brothers and Attic Records, the Nylons continued their recording career on Primarily A Cappella with a collection of tunes superbly produced by Ian Prince who also wrote six of the songs, three in collaboration with Garth Mosbaugh. The heavily R&B album even treats the covers of "Ruby Baby," "Let It Be," "Ain't No Sunshine" and Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That" to an R&B make over. Don't get caught by by the orchestration which sounds synthesized until a great fiddle break on "I Can't Go For That." Surprise! Canada's The Nylons cover the classic Bill Withers song and make it unmistakeably their own, showing the confidence and assurance that has brought them success since their formation in 1979. The arrangement, built upon an mesmerizing repeating bass figure, sets the pulse for one of the most satisfying cuts from their latest CD, "Fabric of Life."

The U of Pennsylvania's mixed-voice, 14-strong a cappella rock and pop group has been sharpening its vocal chops in various incarnations for over 20 years now, and it shows. We raved over their previous CD, "Quicksound," and it's clear from the first notes of Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," Dido's "Don't Leave Home," Guster's "Careful" and Nelly Furtado's "Try" that the '04-'05 Loafers have a rich sound and confident professionalism far beyond their years. Strong covers of The Indigo Girls' "Mystery," Rachel Yamagata's "Worn Me Down," Coldplay's "Warning Signs," The Strokes' "12:51" and Vanessa Carlton's "White Houses" feature solid vocal percussion, sweet leads and nice background vocals. 14 songs in total, without a single weak cut. A beautiful, spirited set from one of our favorite collegiate ensembles!

The '06-'07 Penny Loafers are the University of Pennsylvania's 14-strong mixed-voice a cappella rock and pop group, and "Prophets" is their third release since their founding in 1986, following the excellent "Side A" and "Quicksound." This is a fine collection of 13 covers, some favorites are Sublime's "Waiting For My Ruca," Jamie Cullum's "All At Sea," the Yeah Yeah Yeah's powerful "Gold Lion," Evanescence's surreal "Lithium," Etta James' classic blues tune "At Last," Regina Spektor's soaring "Samson," Remy Zero's "Fair," Christine Aguilera's "Hurt," Matchbox Twenty's "Bed of Lies" and Sufjan Stevens' breathtaking "The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us." Strong, innovative vocal percussion, strong, spirited female and male leads, tight arrangements-this is fun stuff from one of our favorite Collegiate groups!

Songlist: Waiting for My Ruca, All at Sea, Gold Lion, This Modern Love, Lithium, How to Save a Life, At Last, Trains to Brazil, Samson, Fair, Hurt, Bed of Lies, The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!

1769c | 1 CD | $2.95 | A Cappella

Postyr Project : Postyr Project

Postyr Project is a mixed-voice (two women, three men) quintet out of Denmark, and on their debut album the five singers "strive to explore the border land between the natural softness and vitality of the human voice and the uncompromising and merciless roughness of electronic instruments." There are 13 tunes here, all sung in English, some such as "Interlude" are obviously accompanied; others like "Veins," "Go! Don't Stop!," "A Wave," "In Vernalis," " Elps (Breath)," "Broken," "An Open Chapter," "OMG," "RunRunRun" and "Walking" are more ambiguous and mostly focus on some wonderful, mysterious vocals. The last two cuts are an "Electrocrank Remix of Go! Don't Stop!," and a "SWAB Remix of Breath." There are some sweet leads, ethereal harmonies, haunting arrangements and lyrics here that touched and moved us, although some lyrics here are not for children or the easily-offended. That said, Postyr Project has a tremendous amount of vocal talent, and their self-titled debut CD is an impressive winner!

"Pust" means breath in Norwegian. It also means to take a break, to breathe. Pust is Oslo-based, comprised of three men and three women singers with lots of vocal experience in various ensembles, who find their musical inspiration somewhere between Folk, Jazz and Ethnic vocal music. The 12 songs on "kry" include songs composed by members of the group, and all the lyrics are in Norwegian. Some favorites are "Lukk meg inn," the delicate "Innunder blae himmelrand," the spirited folk song "En reell halling," the gentle "Gate," the dramatic "Kolera-vise," the melodic "Farao pa ferie," the sweet "Trassvisa hennes Tora" and others. Beautiful sounds from Norway's best!

"Busy Line" is the second excellent album by talented, mixed voice (2 men, 2 women) Vocal Jazz group R,W&M, who first came on to our radar with their wonderful set at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional. The LA-based retro quartet, who have been singing together since 2003, feature lead Caroline Mclean, alto Kate Walker, tenor Peter Neushul and bass Jim Campbell has taken the place of fellow "chord freak" Robert Clark. 15 nostalgic favorites, beginning with a "Fascinating Rhythm/Steppin' Out with My Baby" medley, the Gershwins' haunting "Shadow of Your Smile" from "The Sandpiper," Freddie Mercury's big fun Roaring 20s reprise "Seaside Rendezvous," Cole Porter's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," and another nice medley, "Let's Go to Brazil/The Gift," which has some non-vocal percussion and bass, and Cahn, Chaplin & Lunceford's "Rhythm is Our Business" is big band-accompanied. Irving Berlin's upbeat "Blue Skies," Bloom & Gallup's bluesy "Maybe You'll Be There" and Leonard Bernstein's "Some Other Time" round out the program. Murray Semos and Frank Stanton's title tune has some non-vocal bass and percussion, and Mandel and Bergman's "Where Do You Start" has some bluenote Saxophone. An entertaining, authentic (even down to the vintage clothing worn by the group in the liner notes pix), sweet-harmonied trip to another era from Ready, Willing & Mabel!

Songlist: Fascinating Rhythm/Steppin' Out With My Baby, The Shadow of Your Smile, April In Paris, Seaside rendezvous, My Funny Valentine, Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye, Let's Go To Brazil/The Gift!, The Lark In The Clear air, Blue Skies, The Night We Called It A Day, Rhythm Is Our Business, Maybe You'll Be There, Where Do You Start?, Busy Line, Some Other Time

Twenty-strong, mixed-voice RSVP was founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Julie Adams, with the purpose of bringing people together through the arts and giving back to the community. They have presented uplifting and powerful live performances, donating all proceeds to to 15 local charities. RSVP's concerts have supported programs for the elderly, the abused, the neglected, the hungry, the poor, the illiterate and the homeless. Some light accompaniment. We like the chosen purpose of this talented ensemble, and we love their music!

Songlist: Heavenly Crystal, Scarborough Fair, All The Pretty Horses, All I Ask Of You, Fine, Shape Of My Heart, The Coolin', Migilidi Magildi, There Were No Mirrors In My Nana's House, Children Will Listen

2247c | 1 CD | $1.95 | A Cappella

ReGeneration : Christmas In Velvet Vol 1& 2

1991 release by Derric Johnson, esteemed director of the Voices of Liberty. Many of the arrangements are also his, and can be recognized by their dramatic codas and lofty soprano range. There are many familiar carols, such as 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' 'O Come All Ye Faithful' and 'Little Drummer Boy,' just to name a few - 26 tracks in all. With that kind of variety, there is something for everyone: 'Sweet Little Jesus Boy,' a spiritual; 'Calypso Noel,' with that island rhythm; 'Pat-A-Pan,' in the French classical vein. 'Gesu Bambino' is one of the prettiest songs, a distinctive melody, coupled with an easy waltz tempo.

Songlist: Do You Hear What I Hear?, A Starry Night, Calypso Noel, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Pat-A-Pan, Sing Allelulia/ In Excelsis Deo, I Wonder As I Wander, Christmas, Gesu Bambino, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The Little Bitty Baby/ Wonderful Counselor, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, O Holy Night, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, White Christmas, Fum Fum Fum, While Shepards Watched, The First Noel, O Come All Ye Faithful, What A Merry Little Christmas Tree, The Birthday Of A King, Winter Wonderland, Little Drummer Boy, French Chorale Of Praise, Away In A Manger, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

3252c | 1 CD | $4.95

Richard Greene : Low? Bottom? Me?

"Low? Bottom? Me?" (Lobotomy, get it?) is Richard Bob Greene's first solo CD, and it was recorded live in "living rooms, hallways and kitchens in Berkeley, San Francisco, San Carlos, Alameda, and Pleasant Hill, CA, Seattle and Scotland, using an Apple ibook and Emagic Logic Audio." Richard is, of course a founder and driving force behind nu-wave a cappella pioneers The Bobs, and he's a songwriter, composer, arranger and humorist extraordinaire. Included on the 10 songs are 5 Greene originals, "Too Cool to Care," "Nobody's Perfect," Searchin' for Poetry," "Growing Roses" and "Let's Go Wild." The others are a manic remake of the Bob's cover of Lennon/McCartney's "Helter Skelter," Antonio Carlos Jobim's Salsa-flavored "The Waters of March," Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," and the Mills Brothers' "Doin' the New Low Down." Most of the songs on "Low?" are accompanied, but the emphasis is on the lyrics and on Greene's powerful vocals; the solid rich bass that has anchored the Bobs for so many years. "Too Cool to Care" is a stream of consciousness beatnik coffee-house poem with cool jazz clarinet, bass and drums, as is "Let's Go Wild" but the words are sung rather than spoken. "Nobody's Perfect" is a bluesy, jazzy observation. There's some wonderful vocal horns on "Doin' the New Low Down." "Low?" is a smoky, Leonard Cohen-esque, surprising, poetic new direction for Greene's music, which will please present fans and surely earn him new ones!

Berkeley, CA's three man, three woman a cappella jazz ensemble Ro Sham Bo, who impressed us with a strong set at the '06 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional (winning Best Original Arrangement and 2nd place overall), bring us this impressive debut CD of 12 songs. The salsa favorite "Mas Que Nada" starts the program, the brilliantly arranged "Nature Boy," the silly "Barney is the Devil," jazzy "Why Haven't I Heard From You," "Greasy Granny" and "It's Over," the bluenote, scattish "Anthopology," the Blues standard "God Bless the Child," the moody "Interlude" and the striking bluenote arrangement of "Ballgame," which was a special request that the group sang only one time, are favorites. "It's not over" is a beautifully selected, arranged and performed debut by this talented mixed Bay Area sextet!